Yussuf raring to go as he completes Stags ban

John Lomas

Mansfield Town striker Adi Yussuf is raring to go after completing his shock five-game suspension when he misses tomorrow’s trip to Hartlepool United

Yussuf was banned by the FA after allegations of urinating in public at Plymouth Argyle and has been allowed to train with the Tanzanian national side last week, though was unable to win his first cap for his country due to the ban.

“He is back in training today and it’s been a great experience for him,” said manager Adam Murray.

“He is one of our young lads who has gone out and gained some invaluable experience with the international set-up.

“He is back today so he will get ‘beasted’ this week. It will be good to have him back.

“He is our joint second top goalscorer – that says it all when he’s hardy started a game. It’s been a great year for Adi in terms of bringing him on from where he’s come from.

“He was training twice a week last season. So he is another who will be stronger next season.”

Ironically Northampton’s penalty that brought them back into the 2-2 draw on Monday was won by James Collins, who has avoided FA action despite reportedly urinating in public at the Cheltenham Festival, instead only fined by his club.

“You can’t write it! But you can’t dwell on it,” said Murray.

“It’s been another massive experience for Adi. It is rare to have a ban like that for having a wee. The way it got blown out of proportion was incredible.

“He will have learned from it. He will have had a couple of weeks of pain and us trying to pick him up as he knew he was missing an important part of the season. And he was just coming into a good run of form, looking fit and sharp. But you just have to take it on the chin.